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It's the end of the line for the swoopy Mercedes CLS sedan, with the 2023 model year set to be its last with production coming to a close on August 31. The CLS was one of the industry's first four-door "coupes" when it arrived in 2004, sharing its underpinnings with the more conventional, but similarly-sized E-Class sedan. The CLS went through three generations, and underwent its final midcycle refresh just last year in 2022.
While Mercedes has been working to trim down its lineup in recent years, we weren't expecting the CLS to get the axe so soon. The demise of the rear-wheel drive CLS450 and AMG CLS53 variants for last year's refresh may have served as a hint, but it's unusual for a vehicle to be killed off just one year after receiving a facelift. As of now, the only powertrain that remains is the all-wheel drive version, powered by a 3.0 liter inline-six assisted by a 48-volt hybrid system.
It's worth noting, however, that the CLS has been running out of breathing room in recent years, especially with the more expensive AMG GT 4-Door encroaching onto its four-door coupe territory. For those who are wondering, the AMG will remain in the stable for now, taking on a new position as the sole gas-powered four-door coupe model. The demise of the CLS also aligns perfectly with the introduction of the next-generation E-Class sedan, which had always shared its powertrains and silky driving dynamics with its more stylish cousin.
According to what company spokesmen had told us, Mercedes's biggest motive to kill the CLS is to lure potential buyers to the all-electric EQ line, which consists of the EQS and EQE sedans along with complementary SUV models. The company argues that the EQ sedans pack just as much swoopy style as the CLS did, though in our opinion the electric sedans aren't nearly as attractive.
Will you be mourning the loss of the CLS?
Image Credits: Mercedes
Discontinued
May 12, 2023
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Mercedes-Benz CLS Ending Production For Good This August
There's no replacement in sight for the stylish four-door coupe.
It's the end of the line for the swoopy Mercedes CLS sedan, with the 2023 model year set to be its last with production coming to a close on August 31. The CLS was one of the industry's first four-door "coupes" when it arrived in 2004, sharing its underpinnings with the more conventional, but similarly-sized E-Class sedan. The CLS went through three generations, and underwent its final midcycle refresh just last year in 2022.
While Mercedes has been working to trim down its lineup in recent years, we weren't expecting the CLS to get the axe so soon. The demise of the rear-wheel drive CLS450 and AMG CLS53 variants for last year's refresh may have served as a hint, but it's unusual for a vehicle to be killed off just one year after receiving a facelift. As of now, the only powertrain that remains is the all-wheel drive version, powered by a 3.0 liter inline-six assisted by a 48-volt hybrid system.
It's worth noting, however, that the CLS has been running out of breathing room in recent years, especially with the more expensive AMG GT 4-Door encroaching onto its four-door coupe territory. For those who are wondering, the AMG will remain in the stable for now, taking on a new position as the sole gas-powered four-door coupe model. The demise of the CLS also aligns perfectly with the introduction of the next-generation E-Class sedan, which had always shared its powertrains and silky driving dynamics with its more stylish cousin.
According to what company spokesmen had told us, Mercedes's biggest motive to kill the CLS is to lure potential buyers to the all-electric EQ line, which consists of the EQS and EQE sedans along with complementary SUV models. The company argues that the EQ sedans pack just as much swoopy style as the CLS did, though in our opinion the electric sedans aren't nearly as attractive.
Will you be mourning the loss of the CLS?
Image Credits: Mercedes
